Major Flood
23 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
20.5 ft
Minor Flood
18 ft
Action Stage
15 ft
What Floods at Each Level
23 ft
the Nooksack River will cause major near record flooding from near Ferndale downstream to the mouth, overtopping levees on both sides of the river and flooding roadways on the Lummi Peninsula including Hexton Way. Deep and swift flood waters will inundate residential areas...farm lands...and roads. In addition...flood waters could overflow and flood the Sumas drainage. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters...tributaries...and other streams within and near the Nooksack River Basin.
22 ft
the Nooksack River will overflow levees and banks along the east bank of the river from Hovander Park downstream to Marietta, causing widespread flooding from near Ferndale downstream to the mouth...with swift waters in residential areas and over farmlands and roads. Erosion may damage some river banks. Flooding within the City of Ferndale affects Main Street in the vicinity of the Whatcom Transportation Authority Station.
20.5 ft
the Nooksack River will overflow levees and banks along the east bank of the river from Hovander Park downstream to Marietta, causing widespread flooding from near Ferndale downstream to the mouth...with swift waters in residential areas and over farm lands and roads. Erosion may damage some river banks.
20 ft
the river will flood additional areas within the City of Ferndale including low-lying residential areas and roads including Washington Street, Portal Way and Second Avenue.
18 ft
the river begins overtopping its banks within the City of Ferndale flooding low-lying areas within the City and low pasture lands along the river from near Ferndale downstream to the mouth.
17 ft
the Nooksack River will overtop levees along Bertrand Creek and near Marine Drive, causing shallow flooding of low pasture lands along the river and additional roadways within the floodplain including Slater Road.
16 ft
the river begins spilling over its banks into low pasture lands flooding some roadways that are not protected by levees including Marine Drive and Ferndale Road.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 9, 1951 | 31.23 ft | 55,000 cfs |
| Dec 29, 1917 | 30.6 ft | -1 cfs |
| Feb 26, 1932 | 30.4 ft | -1 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
NKSW1
River
Nooksack River
County
Whatcom, WA
Coordinates
48.8448°N, 122.5893°W
Get Flood Alerts for Nooksack River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Nooksack River at Ferndale?
The Nooksack River at Ferndale gauge is maintained by USGS (site 12213100) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Nooksack River at Ferndale?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Nooksack River at Ferndale is 18 feet. Action stage begins at 15 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 20.5 feet, and major flooding at 23 feet.
How do I get alerts when Nooksack River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Nooksack River at Ferndale to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Nooksack River at Ferndale gauge located?
The gauge is located in Whatcom County, Washington at coordinates 48.8448°N, 122.5893°W. USGS site number: 12213100. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Nooksack River
On This River
Upstream: Nooksack River at Everson
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
- River forecasts for this location take into account past and future precipitation. The stages/flows that will occur may be different if future rainfall is different than forecast.